Pushchair Reviews

Pushchairs – Great way for kids

Pushchairs have been in use for hundreds of years and primarily used to take around children from newborn babies to kids under 5 years. They are also called as the prams which are quite traditional that are mainly used for new born babies who need to be full bedded or the strollers with a high seat mainly to take babies over six months for a walk or go shopping and sometimes they are also named as buggies. They come in a large variety and features which are all special in use.

While choosing a pushchair it is absolutely necessary to keep in mind three important things, the user’s need, the baby’s need and the lifestyle. Choosing a pushchair is a very tedious thing and has to be done with great care and precision as it involves a baby. Maybe the colour can be a personal choice but the type and the features have to be clearly based on the need of the baby. The lifestyle plays a great deal in the need since it is decided by the very fact if the user lives in an apartment, above the ground or in an individual bungalow and also by the surroundings which is to play an effective role if it is a mountain terrain or a beach or more so if it is a countryside or woods. Before the purchase of a pushchair it is commendable if all these factors are considered.

Types of Push chairs

As recalled earlier there are many types of pushchairs which have their own special features. They are all individual in nature and great choice to use. It all depends mainly on the usage and if the user depends much on public transport it is best to have a lightweight pram which is easily foldable. It is best to check on the size of the car boot if the user travels much around in a car. Buying a multi functional combo pack of a car seat and a pushchair will be ideal. When lot of walking is done with the child around, it is best to choose a sturdier model with locking wheels which are also swiveling. Adjustable handle heights with both fixed and swivel wheels will be a good option to push over rough terrain.

Upright Pram

In the initial stage it is best to go for a model which is basically a pram as new born needs to lean back which is in fact a carrycot and a pushchair one. There are also models which have a reverse seating so that the baby faces the user and feel secure. This combo model can be used until the child is a toddler. This model comes with both fixed and swivel wheels which are quite large and has good suspension. Seat is reversible and easy to fold with a traditional look. The inclination of the seat could be from flat to a slightly raised level. This type of prams also accommodates a shopping basket with other accessories.

Flat folding pushchairs

The flat folding model is quite sturdy and the seats could be easily reclined and folded flatly. This is practically a good choice for a new born baby as it usually comes with well cushioned and comfortable seat with multi positioning. Some models have a canopy which can be folded and adjustable handle height. As the price goes high and expensive, the models are high featured and come with tougher frames which will last long. On the other hand, flat folding pushchairs easily start with an economical pricing and handy features. The drawbacks are that they are more bulky than the umbrella model and folding a bit difficult because of its sturdiness. The baby is positioned away from the parent or the user and the flatness jeopardizes a long nap for a baby with uncomfortability.

Umbrella folding pushchairs

Umbrella folding pushchairs models are practically suitable only for babies from 6 months onwards and they are so called as they can be folded into thin long umbrella shaped figures. They don’t usually have good padding as far as seating goes and is really great for babies who are much older and who love to look around a lot. They are very light weight and easily foldable in one hand and also a whole lot cheaper than other models. On the other hand, their wheel suspension is less which will give the baby a very bumpy ride and do not allow room for a spacing shopping unit. As they come cheap they tend to lack in padded handles and swiveling wheels.

It is better to ask for a demo from the shop as some model tends to collapse even before assembling. It takes a lot to get used to and the size should be the right one to fit in car or should easily be pushed around inside a narrow doorway.

Three wheeler pushchair

The trendiest and a sturdy type of pushchair is the three wheeled model as they are great to use in a country side with a rough terrain. These models are best suited for a older kids. There are special attachments though to be used for newborn kids. It goes great with easier steering and sometimes has fully reclining seats. City models are designed separately for daily use.

Most of the models have regular features like the hood, shopping basket, PVC covering for rain and wind with a foot muff which keeps the baby warm. They accessories can be easily removed and washable either by hand or by machine. They come with flat lying facility and folds flat for storage. Some good models have quick releasing wheels with pneumatic tyres which give a comfortable riding but are prone to have frequent flat tyres.

Forward Facing Pushchair

These are perfect for babies who love to watch where they go and easy to show off the baby itself. They are quite lightweight and have easy maneuverability and models range for newborn babies to toddlers. They usually come with large swivel wheels which have good suspension and control too. These forward facing pushchairs have a simple folding mechanism and can usually be done one handedly while holding the child in the other one. It can be easily used while travelling either in a car or anywhere.

Strollers

Strollers are yet another pushchairs which are incredibly light weight and some can be reclined to a total flat position as young babies need to rest flat often. This is widely used to take the baby for a stroll in a park or through quiet scenery. They are b and come in wide array of colour and choices. Some good models have a perfect lie back adjustment which is ideal for a new born. Easily foldable and holding less storage space makes these strollers widely appealing.

Combined Pushchairs

When a house holds two kids either twins or babies of two different age groups it is best to buy a pushchair which holds both the babies. There is the twin pushchair or the tandem model with even a triple pushchair for families expecting more babies.

Tandem pushchair

As the name suggests, the seating is positioned one behind the other. They are narrower and easy to store yet sometimes becomes a little difficult fitting in a car. Tandem pushchairs are suitable for children of different age group taken together for a walk. The rear seat can be easily reclined for the new born or the younger child while the front seat satisfies the more inquiring toddler. Both the seats are usually adjustable individually without disturbing the other. If necessary, a car seat can be attached.

Twin pushchair

These models sport side by side seats which are ideal for twins and can hold up to an age of four years old kids. Both the seats are individually adjustable and can be positioned in various inclinations levels depending upon the need of the child. It is really heavy work pushing two children side by side which requires more space and maneuverability which is solved by opting for a model that comes with three wheels. It is also commendable to choose one with a wheel lock and swivel. To fit in a car, the front wheels can be removed in some models to get the extra space needed. The novelty of this model is that both the kids face forward and get more visuals as a treat.

Tandem Pushchair

Twin Pushchair

Key features to keep in mind

When coming to the purchase of a pushchair, as mentioned above the needs of the child should be greatly taken into consideration. Above all there are some common and main features which are important regardless of the type and model.

Comfort

Positioning: The comfort level of the baby is the first criteria while buying a pushchair. A pushchair with a multi level positioning is a best choice even if a bit on the expensive side. A new born will soon outgrow the all total flat positioning carrycot in 3 to four months and the high paid chair cannot be discarded. This is carrycot seating is required if the child is untended for a long time. The multi level inclinations should be check before purchase for smooth mechanism and easily assembling.

Padding: The cushion or the padding of the seat is also equally important. When the child stays in a pushchair for long amount of time, this is a great comfort. Good quality padding pays a lot in the long run and also comes only in the sturdier models like the traditional prams or heavy, expensive models.

Stretch level: The pushchair should be able to accommodate the child completely and should make sure that the baby can stretch itself thoroughly. Being dumped or forced to curl to a lengthy period of time is bad for the child’s spine and will develop muscle cramps. Pushchairs that are roomy accordingly to the size of the baby should be wisely chosen.

Storage

The key factor is the space every model of pushchair occupies as it is a very practical matter to deal with daily. Residing in an apartment and travelling by public transport do not allow having to more heavy traditional models. Lightweight, easily foldable models are the ideal choice to have. The umbrella folding pushchairs are better than the flat folding models. Portability also plays an important plays and folding mechanism should be quick and done single handedly. Whether travelling through a public transport or owning a car both have their individual needs to take care of in placing the pushchair comfortably.

Durability

One should decide on the surroundings that the pushchair is proposed to be used before the purchase. Jogging and taking on off road paths in difficult and patchy terrain will be suited with a three wheeler models as they are sturdier with good wheel maneuverability and suspension. The child will not experience much difficult level. If the user plans to use the pushchair for another child in the family in the future it is better to see to some highly durable and sturdy models instead of investing twice. If not there are some highly lightweight models which are durable but not designed for long time usage.

Weight

The weight of the pushchair plays a real key role when transporting the child. While on taking for a stroll and jogging it is worth to be sturdy but when shifting the child individually, a lightweight pushchair is easier to handle and fold. Moving around with the child in one hand and the pushchair in another will be a lot difficult if it is heavier and sturdier.

Wheels and Handles

A pushchair with good wheels is easy to maneuver around. Getting one with locking features and swiveling is fun and easy to steer. Although pneumatic tyres allow comfort fixed wheels are good for rough terrain. Rubber tyres serve better than plastic ones. The handles should be well padded to prevent slippery if there is a lot of sweating. It should be height adjustable also for different height users.

Safety

Safety of the pushchair is ensured if the manufacturer meets the EN 1888, the European measure for safety standards for the making of a pushchair and also the car seat should meet the regulations of Regulation ECE R44.03 standards. While placing the pushchair in the car seat, check if it suits the baby’s comfort as well as coordinates well with the make and model of one’s car without any disturbance.

Accessories

Of course there are a load of accessories that accompany a pushchair either freely and some of them need to be purchased with additional cost.

The changing bag is a mush and acts conveniently to stack things that one might need when taking the child out. It fills with usually with a PVC changing mat, sterile or clean packets to hold the soiled baby dress and extra towels.

The Sun parasol hides the child from the scorching sun and avoids heat boils and protects the baby.

Foot muff is a very important piece of accessory which keeps the baby’s feet warm in cold and rainy weather. The baby is warm and snug as some foot muffs tend to convert themselves to quilts and liners and covers the baby well.

Head support cushion are added support which keeps the child’s head safe from a bouncy ride.

The PVC coverall is highly useful on a rainy day. It covers the entire pushchair and protects the soft fabric and cushions of the pushchairs too. DO NOT USE PVC COVERALLS INDOORS. The overheating and humidity will cause the risk of suffocation and harm the child.

Other accessories like a second brake, a bottle holder and an additional shopping bag is a gift to have.

Security Measures

There are a certain do’s and don’ts to always keep in mind. Even after testing the assembling and functioning of the pushchair in the demo session, it is always good to go through the instruction manual carefully and familiarize with the parts. If someone other than the user is going to use the pushchair for a change, be careful to teach the operations of the open, close and locking mechanisms carefully.

Always be careful to check the locking device and secure them before opening the pushchair and also release them before folding. Remember to secure the baby in the pushchair with the available five point harness to keep the baby safe in its hold. Never forget to use the brake every time the pushchair is stopped.

As with the entire do’s it is always good to remember NOT to make adjustments to the seating position with the baby in the chair. Do not leave the baby for a long time unattended in the pushchair. Never carry more than one child if the pushchair is not designed for doubles and take unwanted risks. Do not hang heavy purchases on the sides of the pushchair as they may tip the balance and topple with the baby in it. Never use PVC Coverall either indoors or in b sunlight.